DUI in CT, how to handle the BON?

[ct-rn]

Hi all. I am a registered nurse in Connecticut and I have recently been arrested for a DUI. Shamefully, I will admit I do have a past DUI as well. It was dismissed after I completed a pre-trial alcohol diversionary program and to my knowledge is not on my record. If convicted of this one, it will technically be my first DUI in the eyes of the court system, but my second in regard to the department of motor vehicle. To say the least, I have never felt more guilty and have never been more worried sick about anything else in my life. There are no words to explain the amount of guilt, shame, and fear I am feeling inside. 

I have spoke to multiple attorneys and other nurses, and still cannot get a straight forward answer on what to expect from the BON. After days and days of reading information online and reading through the Department of Public Health's rules and regulations, it seems like in CT I am required to report any type of arrest within 30 days of it occurring, but this is also where I am stuck in the grey area. The professional license defense attorneys that I have spoke to all advised that I do not report anything to the BON until I absolutely have to and that I would be more or less telling on myself if I self report within 30 days, especially because there is a chance that although I was arrested for a DUI it does not necessarily mean that is what I will be convicted of in court. In other words, I would be telling the BON I got a DUI when really it might be considered a lesser charge such as a wet reckless or some other form of reckless, and if I were to hold off on reporting it I could tell the BON it was a reckless vs. a DUI. I was also told that in all of their years of legal experience they have never seen the consequences be any different whether I self report vs. letting them find out on their own. Does anyone know the level of truth behind this? With that being said, I am not trying to sweep anything under the rug, I am an honest person and I am prepared to be fully transparent about the situation...but at the same time not trying to open Pandora's box while I am dealing with the legal and DMV side of things. I know I will have to report this regardless when I renew my license next year, but am I setting myself up for failure if I wait until then? I feel that if the BON hears about this before I renew my license they will for sure get the feeling I am trying to hide this. Of note, my employer is fully aware of the situation and has assured me they will back me up if/when the BON reaches out to them and will let the BON know I am an exceptional employee and that in no way shape or form does substance use effect my work ethic or performance. I am hoping this counts for something in the eyes of the BON. I have reached out to BON directly only to be told I have to email someone to obtain further information which I do not feel comfortable doing at the moment. If anyone has ever been in a similar situation and could offer some information on this it would be greatly appreciated. Please, any information at all. I see a lot of DUI topics on here but none from Connecticut. I am hoping I can find someone on here to lend a hand. Thank you     

[Nursestudent7200]

Hi, I am a nursing student with a dui getting dismissed next week after completing the AEP/pre trial as well. I will be graduating and applying for my license this year. I was wondering if you had to disclose the pre trial program/previous arrest on your CT license application the other times even though it has been dismissed? Also, how have you been handling your current situation? Anything would be great help I am so scared and not sure how to handle my dismissed dui! Thank you! 

[ct-rn]

I did not disclose my first DUI on my CT license application. I was never in trouble before the first DUI, my record from the DUI was dismissed/sealed after I completed the diversionary program, and my lawyer advised me that I could legally answer "no I have never been convicted of a crime" after my case was dismissed. I answered no I have never been convicted of a crime on my CT license application and never got questioned by the BON or got my license application denied for any reason. To this day nothing has ever come of me not disclosing it. 
As far as my current situation, I will keep you posted. Nothing has come of it yet but I highly doubt it will stay that way in the near future. 
Hope this helps. 

[Nursestudent7200]

Mine is dismissed as well. However I did have to get the Interlock into my car through the dmv, despite the case being dismissed after the program. Was this something you would disclose?

[RN2456]

Hi all - I was just wondering how this turned out for you? I unfortunately have found myself in the same situation, with a second dui arrest within 7 years of the first and completing the AEP after the first. I'm horrified and embarrassed and ashamed, but hoping to not lose my life over this.